The Constitution and Security and Geographic Strategy

What is now called the United States was formed around 200 years ago by thirteen states
forming together to create a union. However, it was a loose federation and felt vulnerable. The
Constitution was created to bind the union together as great as possible. The Constitution has
many implications and reasons behind it.
Firstly, as the preamble of the constitution made clear.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice,
insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and
secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this
Constitution for the United States of America.”
1

The federalists make the case for a more perfect union because they think that it would make the United
States both free and safe. The federalist looked to England and Scotland, which created a perfect union in
1707 Scotland for inspiration and insight.
2
Britain is an island and decided to form with Scotland to form
an “indissoluble union.” At the same time, the formation of union (between Britain and Scotland) makes
the union stronger and easier to defend. Plus, All u need is a small navy to defend the union.
3

Another good thing is that small navy did not threaten the liberty and rights of its people. As professor
Amar opined that there were only two free and relatively peaceful countries at that time. In other places,
groups or states fight among themselves and creates chaos. Then, one strongman rises up and become a
tyrant.
At the same time, Switzerland is free it got a natural defense borders- the alps all around the borders.
4

As a result, Switzerland, like Britain, can avoid war with its neighbor and arm race which would benefit
on one. So, Switzerland liberty and security is secure.

1
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_United_States_of_America
2
Video lecture : 2-3 : 19
3
Same video : 17: 51
4
Same video : 17:58
That what impaired the federalists to create a perfect union. They hope to make peace within 13 states
and thereby make a stronger and defensible union. At the same time, it would lessen the chance that
Britain and other powers would play the 13 states against each other to their interest. In federalist
opinion, a big and strong army does not bode well for liberty.
Federalists wanted a small version of Britain navy forces to guard the oceans and in the process secure
liberty for American people. In addition, the federalist sees this an important step toward freedom and so
on. The Federalist probably disturbed by the rulers of Europe who are tyrants.
As professor Amar pointed out that the preamble goal is to prevent American from fighting each other.
However, it failed later because American civil war happened. Secondly, the side effect was that a
system of common system was created.
In conclusion, the preamble of the constitution contains what the federalist concern of American national
security and geostrategic concern. A perfect union must be achieved if there goal are to be realized
P.S. Thank you for reading this clumsy essay. English is my third language. 